Charlie Wilson Dies, Former Ohio Congressman Was 70

Charlie Wilson, an ex-Congressman from Ohio, has passed away. He was 70 years old.

The Democrat suffered a stroke in February and was admitted to a hospital in Boynton Beach Saturday after falling ill. He died the next day around 2:30 p.m., surrounded by family members.

Wilson won a write-in campaign and served two terms in Washington, securing federal funding for projects that benefited the police department, airports and small businesses.

Prior to being elected to Congress, Wilson served in the Ohio House of Representatives from 1997 to 2005.

"I served with Charlie in the State Legislature for six years and he was a loyal friend in good times and bad," Ohio Democratic Chairman Chris Redfern said in a statement. "An outspoken advocate for working people, Charlie never wavered in his service to his constituents or his lifelong pursuit to help improve the lives of others."

Wilson is survived by four sons, one of whom served as his campaign manager in the 2006 race and then on succeeded him in the Ohio Senate.